Santiago (Chile): Brazil superstar Neymar was dramatically thrown out of the Copa America on Friday as Chile shrugged off the drunk-driving controversy surrounding Arturo Vidal to power into the quarterfinals. Neymar’s participation in the South American footballing showpiece came to an abrupt end after a disciplinary hearing slapped him with a four-match ban for headbutting a Colombian opponent.
The punishment deprives the tournament of one of its most recognisable stars and leaves Brazil in turmoil as it contemplates the remainder of the tournament without their captain and best player.
Neymar’s fate had been in the balance after he was given a red card for headbutting an opponent during a post-match brawl that erupted after Brazil’s 1-0 upset loss to Colombia in Group ‘C’ on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old superstar was already ruled out of Brazil’s final group game against Venezuela on Sunday after collecting a second yellow card of the tournament against the Colombians.Neymar, who was also fined $10,000, can appeal the punishment. But unless the ban is reduced it means he has played his last game of the Copa, with Brazil having at most four games left. Alberto Lozada, a member of the disciplinary committee, revealed Neymar had received a heavier punishment because he had abused match officials in the tunnel following his dismissal.
“Worst of all was that after the match he waited for the referee in the tunnel and insulted him, which aggravated the matter and led to the longer ban,” Lozada told Brazilian media.“This constituted an act of aggression which required punishment of more matches.”
Neymar’s shock early departure marks a stunning fall from grace for the young forward, who had been carrying his nation’s hopes as they chased a first Copa America crown since 2007, especially after their 1-7 rout by Germany in the World Cup.
